Forever 21 to open 'first large format' store in Grand Rapids

Shandra Martinez | Mlive Media GroupGrand Rapids' only Forever 21 will more than double in size this fall.

KENTWOOD, MI - Trendy fashion retailer Forever 21 plans to supersize its store at Woodland Mall - the only one in the Grand Rapids area market.

This fall, the store will more than double to 26,164 square feet, the Kentwood mall announced.

With the additional 15,000 square feet, Forever 21's new storefront will stretch all the way down to the Express store.

The news brought a wide smile to Jennifer Urieta's face.

"That would be amazing," said the 18-year-old Holland woman, leaving the store after buying a dress and a scarf for $30. Urieta likes to visit the retailer's three-level mega store in downtown Chicago, which is so big that it's actually an XXI store. The expanded Grand Rapids store won't be big enough for that distinction.

Urieta added that she would like to see the expanded Forever 21 joined by trendy retailers Urban Outfitters and H&M which aren't yet in the West Michigan market.

While work is being done on the expanded store, Forever 21 will move into the former temporary quarters of Pottery Barn next to Williams-Sonoma before the end of the month. The new, expanded store is set to open by Nov. 1.

Forever 21 bills itself as having an "affordable price point" on casual clothing, shoes and accessories, including a men’s apparel line.

“We are excited to bring the first large format Forever 21 store to Grand Rapids,” said Terry Leshuk, the mall's marketing director. “The extensive fashion assortment will appeal to our shoppers, and the new store furthers Woodland Mall’s commitment to provide an outstanding shopping experience for the community.”